ADDRESS 


TO  THE 


ESPECIALLY  TO  THE 


MINISTERS  AND  MEMBERS 

OF  THE 

PRESBYTERIAN,  REFORMED  DUTCH,  AND 
CONGREGATIONAL  CHURCHES, 

THROUGHOUT  THE  UNITED  STATES, 

ON  THE  SUBJECT  OF  THE 

PROPOSED  UNION 

BETWEEN  THE 

AMERICAN  BOARD  OF  COMMISSIONERS 

FOR  FOREIGN  MISSIONS, 

AND  THE 

UNITED  FOREIGN  MISSIONARY  SOCIETY. 


boston:  CROCKER  AND  BREWSTER.  NEW-TORK:  JOHN  P.  HATEN. 


Digitized  by  the  Internet  Archive 
in  2016 


https://archive.org/details/addresstochristiOOunse 


ADDRESS 


At  the  late  annual  meeting  of  the  American  Board  of 
Commissioners  for  Foreign  Missions,  which  was  held  at 
Northampton  in  September,  a proposal  was  made  by  the 
Managers  of  the  United  Foreign  Missionary  Society,  for  an 
amalgamation  of  the  two  institutions;  or,  in  other  words,  for 
a union  of  all  the  friends  of  both  institutions,  in  such  a man- 
ner that  their  missionary  efforts  might  be  conducted  under 
one  organization.  This  proposal  was  offered  by  the  Rev.  Dr. 
McAuley,  the  Rev.  Dr.  McMurray,and  the  Rev.  Mr.  Crane, 
as  a Committee  appointed  by  the  Managers  for  that  purpose, 
and  was  received  by  the  Board  in  the  most  respectful  and 
fraternal  manner.  In  the  discussions,  relating  to  so  impor- 
tant a measure,  all  who  were  present  seemed  to  have  the 
same  object  at  heart;  viz.  the  direction  of  the  Christian 
energies  of  this  country,  so  as  to  communicate,  in  the 
most  speedy  and  effectual  manner,  the  greatest  amount  of 
blessings  lo  the  heathen  world.  The  measure  itself  was 
warmly  approved;  and  the  following  terms  of  union  were 
unanimously  adopted,  every  member  present,  both  of  the 
Board,  and  of  the  Committee  from  the  United  Foreign  Mis- 
sionary Society,  distinctly  expressing  his  concurrence  in 
them. 

Preliminary  terms  in  contemplation  of  union. — “As 
the  amalgamation  of  the  two  societies  cannot  be  completed 
till  after  it  shall  have  received  the  sanction  of  the  highest 
judicatories  in  the  Presbyterian  Church  and  the  Reformed 


4 


I 

Dutch  Church,  which  cannot  take  place  before  the  meeting 
of  those  bodies  in  May  next,  the  American  Board  of  Com- 
missioners for  Foreign  Missions  on  the  one  part,  and  the 
Commissioners  of  the  United  Foreign  Missionary  Society  on 
the  other  part,  agree  to  these  five  preliminary  articles,  viz. 

“1.  A document  shall  be  issued  jointly  by  the  Pruden- 
tial Committee  of  this  Board,  and  by  the  Directors  of  the 
United  Foreign  Missionary  Society,  as  soon  as  it  can  be 
conveniently  prepared,  stating  and  explaining  in  what  sense 
the  American  Board  of  Commissioners  for  Foreign  Missions 
is  a National  Institution;  how  it  is  organized;  the  reasons 
for  hoping  and  believing,  that  this  organization  will  continue 
to  receive  the  confidence  of  the  Christian  community;  and 
the  reasons  which  have  had  weight  in  promoting  the  contem- 
plated union. 

“2.  During  the  interval,  which  must  elapse  between  the 
present  time  and  May  next,  the  Directors  of  the  United  For- 
eign Missionary  Society  will  make  all  practicable  exertions 
to  replenish  its  Treasury;  so  that,  should  the  proposed  union 
take  place,  the  engagements  to  be  assumed  by  the  American 
Board  of  Commissioners  for  Foreign  Missions  may  be  as  few 
and  as  small  as  possible. 

“3.  The  Directors  of  the  United  Foreign  Missionary 
Society  will  correspond  with  the  missionaries  under  its  care, 
explaining  to  them  the  proposed  union,  and  advising  them, 
if  the  measure  should  be  adopted,  to  transfer  their  relation 
to  the  American  Board  of  Commissioners  for  Foreign  Mis- 
sions. 

“4.  The  Directors  of  the  United  Foreign  Missionary 
Society  will  direct  the  missionaries  of  the  several  stations, 
not  to  enter  upon  any  new  measures  involving  expense,  and 
generally  to  practice  the  strictest  economy,  till  the  result  of 
this  proposed  measure  shall  be  known. 

“5.  As  the  Directors  of  the  United  Foreign  Missionary 
society  contemplate  sending  an  agent  to  visit  the  stations 
west  of  the  Mississippi,  the  Prudential  Committee  will,  if 
practicable,  send  an  agent  also  to  accompany  him,  and  ascer- 
tain from  personal  inspection,  the  condition  of  these  stations.’^ 


3 


Permanent  terms  of  union. — “The  following;  principles 
are  adopted  as  the  basis  of  the  proposed  union,  which  princi- 
ples, when  consented  to  by  the  United  Foreign  Missionary 
Society,  and  the  judicatories  above  referred  to,  shall  thence- 
forward be  binding  on  both  societies: 

“1.  The  missionaries  now  in  the  employment  of  the 
United  Foreign  Missionary  Society  shall,  if  their  character 
and  standing  remain  unimpeached,  be  receivetl  as  missiona- 
ries of  the  Board;  and,  if  any  of  them  should  be  unwilling 
to  enter  into  this  new  relation,  they  shall  be  at  liberty  to 
retire  from  the  stations  which  they  now  occupy. 

“2.  The  property,  of  every  kind,  belonging  to  the  United 
Foreign  Missionary  Society,  whether  at  the  missionary  sta- 
tions, or  elsewhere,  shall  be  transferred  to  the  American 
Board  of  Commissioners  for  Foreign  Missions,  on  the  ratifi- 
cation of  this  union. 

“3.  The  American  Board  of  Commissioners  for  Foreign 
Missions  will  assume  all  the  engagements  of  the  United 
Foreign  Missionary  Society,  as  they  shall  stand  at  the  time 
of  said  ratification;  it  being  undei’stood,  however,  that  the 
fourth  preliminary  article  shall  have  been  complied  with. 

“4.  In  the  election  of  members  according  to  the  provis- 
ions of  its  charter;  in  the  appointment  of  missionaries,  occa- 
sional agents,  and  other  functionaries;  and  in  the  adminis- 
tration of  all  its  concerns;  the  American  Board  of  Commis- 
sioners for  Foreign  Missions  will  endeavor  to  merit  the  high 
character  of  a truly  National  Institution,  and  to  acquire  and 
retain  the  affections  and  confidence  of  all  classes  of  persons, 
who  have  heretofore  aided  either  of  these  societies,  anti  of  all 
others  who  may  wish  to  promote  the  salvation  of  the  heathen. 

“5.  As  the  American  Board  of  Commissioners  for  For- 
eign Missions  has  heretofore  consisted,  with  few  exceptions, 
of  persons  belonging  to  the  Presbyterian,  Reformed  Dutch, 
and  Congregational  churches:  and  as  its  national  character  will 
always  ensure  the  election  of  a competent  and  satisfactory  num- 
ber of  persons  from  these  religious  communities,  the  Board 
will  send  to  the  General  Assembly  of  the  Presbyterian  Church, 
the  General  Synod  of  the  Reformed  Dutch  Church,  and  the 


6* 


several  General  Associations  in  , the  New  England  States,  as 
many  copies  of  its  Annual  Report,  and  other  printed  docu- 
ments, as  shall  be  sufficient  to  furnish  each  member  of  these 
Bodies  with  a cop}';  not  only  as  a token  of  respect,  but  that 
means  of  information  may  be  afforded  in  regard  to  the  meas- 
ures of  the  Board  and  its  missionaries,  and  to  any  success 
which  God  may  grant  to  its  exertions. 

“6.  The  highest  judicatories  of  the  Presbyterian  Church 
and  of  the  Reformed  Dutch  Church  will  recommend  the 
American  Board  of  Commissioners  for  Foreign  Missions,  as 
a National  Institution,  and  entitled  to  the  warm  support  and 
efficient  patronage  of  the  churches  under  their  respective 
jurisdictions. 

“7.  The  periodical  publications  of  the  Board  shall  be  sent 
gratuitously  to  all  societies  and  individuals,  now  entitled  to 
the  periodical  publications  of  the  United  Foreign  Missionary 
Society;  and,  on  the  ratification  of  this  union,  the  Missionary 
Herald  shall  take  the  place  of  the  Missionary  Register.” 

According  to  the  stipulation  contained  in  the  first  of  the 
preliminary  articles  above-recited,  the  Prudential  Committee 
of  the  American  Board  of  Commissioners  for  Foreign  Mis- 
sions, and  the  Managers  of  the  United  Foreign  Missionary 
Society,  now  issue  these  pages,  as  the  common  document 
there  described.  Pursuing  the  plan  of  the  article,  they  pro- 
ceed, without  further  introduction,  to  inquire, 

I.  In  what  sense  the  Board  is  a National  Institution. 

It  was  a prominent  design  of  the  public  spirited  men,  by 
whom  the  foreign  missionary  enterprises  of  this  country 
were  commenced,  that  the  institution,  which  they  formed, 
should  be  truly  national  in  its  character.  The  first  election  of 
members,  under  the  act  of  incorporation,  was  made  with  this 
design  full  in  view.  The  Board  previously  consisted  of  eleven 
members.  At  the  election  here  referred  to,  thirteen  addi- 
tional members  were  chosen.  These  thirteen,  taken  collec- 
tively, resided  in  seven  states  of  the  union,  and  belonged  to 
all  those  religious  denominations,  from  which  a general  co- 
operation in  missionary  efforts,  conducted  under  ono  organi- 


7 


2ation,  could  be  expected.  In  subsequent  elections,  during 
a period  of  thirteen  years,  the  same  object  has  been  regarded. 
Of  the  forty-two  members,  who  now  compose  the  Board,  one 
resides  in  India,  and  the  rest  in  nine  states  of  the  union;  viz. 
in  five  of  the  New  England  slates,  with  New  York,  New 
Jersey,  Pennsylvania,  and  Virginia. 

At  the  annual  meeting  in  1819,  gentlemen  were  elected,  in 
nearly  all  the  remaining  states,  as  well  as  in  Europe  and  the 
East,  to  act  as  Corresponding  Members,  whose  counsel  and 
patronage  might  promote  the  common  object;  and,  two  years 
later,  a provision  was  introduced,  by  which  persons  are  ad- 
mitted as  Honorary  Members,  on  their  making  a specified 
donation  to  the  Treasury  of  the  Board.  Both  these  classes 
of  members,  though  they  do  not  form  a part  of  the  corporate 
body,  are  invited  to  join  in  the  deliberations  of  the  annual 
meetings.  In  these  ways,  a fair  representation  of  the  friends 
of  missions  is  obtained,  the  advice  of  intelligent  men  is  re- 
ceived from  a distance,  and  a suitable  respect  is  paid  to 
others,  whose  conduct  has  evinced  their  deep  interest  in  the 
welfare  of  the  institution.  With  regard  to  the  future,  there 
is  nothing,  either  in  the  act  of  incorporation,  or  in  any  decis- 
ion of  the  Board,  to  prevent  the  election  of  as  many  mem- 
bers from  difierent  parts  of  the  country,  as  the  interests  of  the 
missionary  cause  may  require. 

Thus  designed  to  be  national,  in  its  reliance  upon  the  expe- 
rience, wisdom,  and  tried  character  of  eminent  individuals  in 
all  parts  of  the  country,  the  Board  has  acquired  the  same 
character,  to  a remarkable  extent,  in  the  patronage  which  it 
has  enjoyed.  Though  much  the  greater  part  of  its  resour- 
ces has  uniformly  been  derived  from  New  England,  many 
liberal  benefactors  have  been  found  in  the  middle,  southern, 
and  western  states. 

If  the  contemplated  union  should  receive  the  sanction  of 
the  ecclesiastical  bodies  to  which  it  is  referred,  the  patronage 
from  many  parts  of  the  countr)’^  will  be  greater,  it  may  safely’ 
be  presumed,  than  at  any  previous  time. 

It  cannot  be  expected,  however,  that  this  institution 
will  receive  the  patronage  of  all  the  denominations  of 


Christians  in  our  country,  in  the  same  manner  as  the 
Jjible  Society  does.  It  will  be  considered  rather  as  under 
the  direction  and  peculiar  patronage  of  those  denomina- 
tions, from  which  both  institutions  have  hitherto  derived 
their  principal  support.  From  these  religious  communities 
the  missionaries  will  be  selected  as  heretofore;  and  to  these 
communities  must  the  public  look  for  directors,  executive 
officers,  missionaries,  assistant  missionaries,  and  agents  of 
every  kind.  Individuals  of  other  denominations  may  prob- 
ably hereafter  make  this  Board  the  channel  of  their  benefi- 
cence to  the  heathen,  as  they  have  done  in  time  past;  though 
without  any  expectation  of  altering  the  general  plan  of  its 
operations,  or  interfering  with  its  management.  One  of  the 
earliest  contributors  to  the  funds  of  the  Board,  and,  consid- 
ering his  circumstances,  the  most  liberal  contributor  who  has 
hitherto  appeared,  was  a Baptist.  The  present  venerable 
President  of  the  American  Bible  Society,  and  the  generous 
agent  of  the  Board  at  Calcutta,  though  Episcopalians,  are  mem- 
bers and  patrons.  The  latter  has  cheerfully  and  spontaneously 
rendered  very  essential  services  to  the  American  missions  in 
the  east.  Quite  recently  an  association  has  been  formed  in  aid 
of  the  Board,  by  Episcopalians  belonging  to  St.  Paul’s  church, 
Boston;  with  the  express  reservation,  however,  that  they 
will  be  at  liberty  to  send  their  annual  contributions  to  a Mis- 
sionary Society  of  their  own  denomination,  whenever  they 
shall  think  proper  to  do  so. 

With  these  explanations,  considering  that  Congregational- 
ists  and  Presbyterians  of  different  names  constitute  a large 
part  of  the  inhabitants  in  almost  every  city  and  populous  towm 
in  the  United  States;  that  they  are  a great  majority  of  all  the 
inhabitants  in  many  large  districts;  that,  taking  the  whole 
country  together,  they  are  probably  the  largest  denomina- 
tions of  Christians,  both  in  regard  to  numbers  and  wealth; 
and  that,  if  the  proposed  union  should  be  consummated,  they 
would  look  upon  this  Board  as  their  only  organ  of  sending 
the  Gospel  to  the  unevangelized  world;  and  considering, 
also,  that  many  zealous  and  public  spirited  individuals,  of 
other  religious  denominations,  will  avail  themselves  of  the 


9 


facilities  afforde<1  by  this  Board  for  conveying:  their  contribu- 
tions to  reclaim  the  earth  from  moral  desolation;  it  can 
hardly  be  thoug:ht  presumption  by  any  one,  to  speak  of  the 
American  Board  of  Commissioners  for  Foreign  Missions  as  a 
National  Institution. 

II.  The  subject  of  inquiry  next  in  order  is,  In  ivhat  man- 
ner the  Board  is  ors^anized?  This  question  will  be  answer- 
ed by  the  following  statement. 

In  the  month  of  June  1810,  it  was  announced,  that  four 
young  men,  who  were  then  members  of  the  Theological 
Seminary  in  Andover,  seriously  contemplated  devoting  them- 
selves to  the  service  of  Christ,  as  missionaries  to  the  heathen. 
This  interesting  fact  was  stated  to  the  General  Association  of 
Massachusetts,  then  in  session,  and  the  young  men  were  in- 
vited to  anpear  before  that  body.  They  appeared  according- 
ly; explained  their  views;  and,  in  effect,  if  not  literally,  im- 
plored of  Christians  in  our  country,  the  means  of  o'  taining 
access  to  the  pagan  world. 

After  deliberating  on  the  subiect,  the  General  Association 
appointed  a Committee  of  five  gentlemen  in  Massachusetts, 
and  four  in  Connecticut,  to  take  charge  of  this  great  concern; 
and  ‘to  devise  ways  and  means,  and  adopt  measures,  for  pro- 
moting the  spread  of  the  Gospel  in  heathen  lands.’  To  this 
Committee  the  present  name  of  the  Board  was  given. 

In  September  of  the  same  year,  the  nine  persons,  who  had 
been  thus  selected,  were  invited  to  meet.  A majority  con- 
vened; a constitution  was  formed;  and  the  Board  was  organ- 
ized. 

The  General  Association  of  Connecticut,  at  the  next  meet- 
ing, which  was  in  June  ISll,  approved  of  these  measures; 
and  appointed  the  same  gentlemen  in  that  state,  as  had  been 
first  appointed  by  the  General  A.ssociation  of  Massachusetts. 
This  latter  body  repeated  the  appointment  of  five  persons; 
and  it  was  then  supposed,  that  the  Board  would  be  perpetuat- 
ed by  annual  appointments  made  in'  these  ecclesiastical 
bodies.  The  institution  was  then  in  its  infancy.  There 
had  been  no  developement  of  its  powers.  The  donations 
ey 


10 


actually  received  into  its  Treasury  amounted  to  but  a smali 
sum.  No  missionary  operations  had  been  commenced. 

In  the  mean  time,  a legacy  of  thirty  thousand  dollars 
had  been  left  to  the  Board,  by  the  late  Mrs.  Norris  of  Salem, 
who  died  in  April  ISll.  As  the  Board  was  not  incorporat- 
ed, an  expensive  lawsuit  of  four  years  duration  was  necessa- 
ry, before  the  legacy  could  be  recovered;  all  which  time  the 
money  lay  unproductive  in  the  hands  of  the  executor,  who 
could  neither  pay  it,  nor  make  any  use  of  it,  till  the  question 
was  legally  decided.  The  fact  that  so  large  a legacy  was  at 
hazard,  merely  for  want  of  an  act  of  incorporation,  made  the 
friends  of  missions  very  desirous  that  similar  embarrassments 
should  not  exist  in  future.  Application  was  therefore  prefer- 
red to  the  legislature  of  Massachusetts  for  a charter,  by 
which  the  Board  might  receive  and  hold  property,  under 
the  protection  of  law.  Such  a charter  was  obtained  in  the 
month  of  June  1S12,  and  served  to  increase  that  public  con- 
fidence in  the  Board,  which  had  already  been  expressed  in  a 
very  unequivocal  manner. 

In  so  important  a measure  as  framing  an  act  of  incorpora- 
tion, very  able  legal  advisers  were  consulted.  It  was  appar- 
ent, that  the  form,  which  the  Board  at  first  received,  could 
not  be  preserved  under  a legal  organization.  The  General 
association  of  Massachusetts  is  merely  a voluntajy  associa- 
tion, not  known  to  the  laws.  The  same  is  true  of  the  smaller 
associations,  which  are  the  constituent  bodies,  whose  dele- 
gates compose  the  General  Association.  The  appointments 
of  such  merely  voluntary  associations,  could  not  be  legally 
recognized,  unless  the  associations  themselves  were  first 
icgall}’^  defined;  or,  in  other  words,  unless  all  these  constitu- 
ent bodies  were  first  incorporated.  This  was  not  desired  by 
any  one;  and,  if  it  had  been  desired,  there  is  no  reason  to 
think  it  would  have  been  practicable. 

But  had  it  been  practicable  to  obtain  an  act,  which  should 
have  giv^en  a legal  form  to  all  these  ecclesiastical  bodies, 
and  should  have  prescribed  that  the  members  of  the  Board 
should  be  annually  elected  by  the  General  Associations  of 


11 


Massachusetts  and  Connecticut;  it  may  be  doubted  whether 
the  Christian  public  would  have  deemed  it  suitable,  that  all 
the  members  of  such  a corporation,  which  was  designed  to 
act  in  behalf  of  multitudes  residing  in  every  part  of  our 
widely  extended  country,  should  be  annually  chosen  by  two 
independent  bodies,  composed  of  men  who  reside  in  only 
two  States  of  the  Union.  It  is  to  be  remembered,  that  these 
independent  bodies  are  composed  of  clergymen  only,  and  are 
changed  almost  wholly  every  year,  being  the  representatives 
of  numerous  other  independent  bodies,  composed  only  of 
clergymen. 

When  the  Act  of  Incorporation  was  obtained,  there  seem- 
ed to  be  but  three  ways,  in  which  the  members  of  the  cor- 
porate body  could  be  designated;  viz.  either  by  enacting  that 
all  persons,  who  might  subscribe  a certain  constitution,  or 
compact,  should  be  members;  or  that  all,  who  should  pay  a 
certain  sum  of  money  to  the  Treasury,  should  enjoy  this 
privilege;  or  that  individuals,  named  in  the  act,  should  be 
authorized  to  elect  associates  and  successors,  who  should  in 
the  same  manner  perpetuate  the  Board.  The  last  of  these 
methods  was  adopted,  for  the  following  reasons. 

1.  This  organization  is  analogous  to  that,  which  was  first 
chosen  by  the  promoters  of  missions  from  this  country  to 
the  distant  heathen.  The  prominent  design,  so  far  as  relates 
to  the  form  of  the  Board,  was,  that  these  interesting  con- 
cerns should  be  committed  to  the  management  of  a compara- 
tively small  number  of  men.  Hence  the  epithet  Commis- 
sioners, which,  however  inconvenient  as  an  appendage  to 
the  name,  clearly  denotes,  that  the  persons  who  bear  it, 
were  appointed  to  act  for  others.  As  the  charter  does  not, 
and  could  not,  provide  for  this  delegated  character,  by’  recog- 
nizing it  in  form,  all  that  remains  for  the  Board  is,  to  secure 
it  in  fact,  by  electing  such  associates,  as  will  be  a fair  rep- 
resentation of  the  friends  of  missiqps. 

2.  The  present  organization  of  the  Board,  renders  that  body 
a real  representation  of  the  Christian  communit}'^.  If  mem- 
bership were  acquired  by  subscribing  a constitution,  or 
making  a small  pecuniary  donation,  the  members  present  at 


12 


an  annual  meeting  would  consist  principally  of  tlie  inhabit- 
ants of  the  place,  where  the  meeting  was  lield.  If  it  were 
held  from  year  to  year  in  the  same  place,  the  Hoard  would 
be  regarded  as  the  missionary  society  of  that  place,  and  not 
of  the  country  at  large.  If  the  annual  meetings  were  held  at 
different  places  in  rotation,  the  members  actually  present  at 
any  one  of  the  meetings,  would,  with  few  exceptions,  be  ab- 
sent from  the  succeeding  meeting;  so  that  there  would  not 
be  even  the  appearance  of  indentity;  and  the  Board,  in- 
stead of  being  a virtual  representation  of  the  Christian  com- 
munity, would  be  one  year  a small  part  of  that  community, 
assembled  in  one  place,  and  the  next  year  a distinct  part 
of  the  same  community,  assembled  in  another  |)lace.  Mem- 
bers, residing  at  even  a moderate  distance,  would  not  feel  any 
obligation  to  be  present,  or  any  responsibility  for  measures 
adopted. 

3.  The  constitution  of  the  Board  is  such,  that  a real  super- 
vision of  the  doings  of  the  executive  functionaries  is  exercis- 
ed annually,  and  an  efficient  control  is  held  in  regard  to 
every  important  measure.  But  it  is  obvious  that  a large  so- 
ciety, assembled  to  hear  parts  of  a Report  and  listen  to  ad- 
dresses, could  not  enter  into  details  of  business,  or  give  any 
advice  on  doubtful  or  difficult  subjects.  The  great  use  of 
annual  meetings  jn  such  a society  would  be,  to  awaken 
benevolent  feelings,  and  prompt  to  corresponding  exertions. 
But  the  members  of  this  Board  assemble  once  a year,  exam- 
ine the  doings  of  those  whom  they  have  appointed  to  manage 
its  concerns,  and,  after  deliberation  and  discussion,  fix  upon 
certain  great  principles,  which  serve  as  landmarks,  in  future 
plans  and  movements.  Residing  in  different  parts  of  the 
country,  and  knowing  the  wishes  and  feelings  of  contributors 
to  the  Board,  in  their  respective  vicinities,  they  can  make 
any  inquiries,  or  propose  any  measures,  which  the  state  of 
things  may  render  expedient.  The  number  of  members  not 
being  large,  the  meetings  are  held  from  day  to  day,  as  long 
as  a majority  think  expedient,  and  always  till  the  important 
business  has  been  transacted. 

The  next  general  subject  of  inquiry  is. 


13 


III.  The  reasons  for  hoping  and  believing,  that  the 
present  organization  of  the  Board  will  continue  to  enjoy 
the  confidence  of  the  Christian  community. 

Some  of  these  reasons  are  the  following: 

1.  If,  as  is  thought  to  be  the  case,  the  constitution  of  the 
Board  is  eminently  fitted  for  the  superintendence  of  mission- 
ai'y  concerns,  the  religious  public  will  not  be  ignorant  of  it. 
The  mass  of  the  people,  so  far  as  they  are  favorably  inclined 
toward  the  object  of  missions,  wish  simply  for  the  most 
convenient  channel  for  the  communication  of  their  benefi- 
cence to  the  heathen  world.  Modes  and  forms  of  association 
are  immaterial  in  their  view;  and,  if  they  see  the  manage- 
Mfient  of  missionary  concerns  entrusted,  systematically  and 
permanently,  to  men  of  experience  and  known  character, 
they  will  repose  as  much  confidence  in  the  Board,  under  its 
present  organization,  as  they  would  repose  in  a body,  whose 
members  were  annually  elected  by  the  votes  of  all  contribu- 
tors, (were  such  an  election  practicable,)  and  as  much  as 
should  ever  be  reposed  in  any  institution  merely  human. 

2.  The  principles,  on  which  members  have  been  elected 
hitherto,  are  calculated  to  sustain  the  public  confidence.  A 
considerable  proportion  of  the  members  were  Presidents  of 
Colleges,  or  Professors  in  Theological  Seminaries,  at  the 
time  of  their  election;  and  more  than  one  fourth  part  of  the 
present  members  sustain  one  or  the  other  of  these  relations. 
It  need  not  be  said,  that  gentlemen  in  these  important  and  re- 
sponsible stations,  are  extensively  known  and  highly  esteem- 
ed. They  are  also  more  likely,  than  any  others,  to  be  inti- 
mately acquainted  with  the  character  of  the  missionaries. 
Another  class  is  composed  of  venerable  men,  both  among 
the  clergy  and  laity,  who  have  arrived  at  an  advanced  period 
of  life,  have  discharged  numerous  public  duties,  and  are  not 
even  suspected  of  valuing  the  little  distinction,  which  is 
implied  in  a selection  to  these  services,  except  as  it  may 
enable  them  to  serve  God  in  their  declining  days,  and  to 
bear  a distinct  testimony  to  the  excellence  of  the  missionary 
cause.  A small  number,  of  middle  age,  residing  near  each 
other,  have  been  selected  to  manage  the  executive  business 


14 


of  the  Board;  and  others,  in  the  same  period  of  life,  distin- 
guished for  their  active  exertions  in  behalf  of  charitable  ob- 
jects, and  residing  in  different  parts  of  the  union,  have  been 
associated  in  this  body. 

It  is  to  be  understood  that  the  Board  would  not  think  of 
electing  a member,  whatever  his  standing  or  influence,  who 
was  not  supposed  to  be  a warm  friend  of  missions,  and  of  ex- 
perimental religion,  and  a believer  in  those  cardinal  doc- 
trines of  the  New  Testament,  which  are  sometimes  called 
the  doctrines  of  the  Reformation  * 

3.  The  same  causes  which  have  led  to  the  selection  of 
such  members,  as  were  thought  likely  to  be  acceptable  to 
friends  of  missions  generally,  and  to  require  and  retain  tbeir 
confidence,  will  always  exist,  and  will  almost  necessarily 
produce  tbe  same  effects.  It  was  once  well  observed  by 
Dr.  Worcester,  whose  memory  is  greatly  to  be  honored, 
that  the  support  of  missions  is  “wholly  a matter  of 
CONFIDENCE.”  There  must  be  confidence  on  the  part  of 
the  public,  in  the  Board  and  its  functionaries,  at  home  and 

* During  the  fifteen  years  and  a half  since  the  Board  was  formed,  fifteen  mem- 
bers have  died.  Their  names,  arranged  according  to  the  States  in  which  they  re- 
sided, are  as  follows: 

Maine.  Rev.  Jesse  Appleton,  D.  D.,  President  of  Bowdoin  College. 

New-Hampshire.  Hon.  John  Langdon,  Governor  of  the  State, 

Rev.  Seth  Payson,  D.  D. 

Hon.  Thomas  W.  Thompson,  Senator  in  Congress. 

Massachusetts.  Rev.  Samuel  Spring,  D.  D.  a Member  of  the  Prudential  Com- 
mittee from  the  origin  of  the  Board  till  his  death. 

Rev.  Zepbaniah  Swift  Moore,  D.  D.,  President  of  Williams  College,  and  sub- 
sequently of  Amherst  Collegiate  Institution. 

Rev.  Samuel  Worcester,  D.  D.,  First  Corresponding  Secretary  of  the  Board, 
in  which  office  he  continued  till  his  death. 

Rhode  Island.  Hon.  William  Jones,  Governor  of  the  State. 

Connecticut.  Gen.  Jedidiah  Huntington. 

Hon.  John  Treadwell,  Governor  of  the  State. 

Rev.  Timothy  Dwight,  D.  D.,  President  of  Yale  College. 

New-York.  Col.  John  Lincklaen. 

Divie  Bethune,  Esq. 

New-Jersey.  Hon.  Elias  Boudinot,  L.L.  D.,  First  President  of  the  American 
Bible  Society. 

District  of  Columbia.  Elias  Boudinot  Caldwell,  Esq.  Clerk  of  the  Supreme 
Court  of  the  United  States. 

To  persons  acquainted  with  the  public  and  private  character  of  leading  men  in 
the  religious  community,  not  a word  need  be  said  respecting  tliis  list  of  names. 


15 


abroad;  confidence  on  the  part  of  the  Board,  in  its  function- 
aries, and  in  the  patronage  and  support  of  the  friends  of 
missions;  confidence  on  the  part  of  missionaries,  in  the 
Board  and  the  Christian  community;  and  confidence  on  the 
part  of  those,  who  conduct  the  executive  business  of  the 
institution,  in  the  candour,  intelligence,  and  steady  zeal  of 
their  associates  of  the  Board,  and  of  the  multitude  of  their 
Christian  brethren.  Alt  this  confidence  is  necessary  to  the 
prompt  and  successful  prosecution  of  the  missionary  work. 
If  the  public  were  to  withdraw  confidence  in  the  Board, 
resources  could  not  be  found  for  carrying  on  the  present 
system  of  operations  for  three  months.  We  are  not  to 
suppose,  however,  that  such  a calamity  will  be  suffered  to 
take  place  without  cause;  and  we  trust  in  the  protecting 
care  of  the  Lord  of  missions  to  prevent  the  existence  of  any 
cause,  which  should  forfeit  a confidence  so  long  enjoyed, 
and  on  which  so  much  is  depending.  But  it  is  more  to  the 
design  of  this  argument  to  say,  that  if  the  members  of  the 
Board  have  any  regard  for  the  success  of  the  cause,  in  which 
they  are  embarked; — if  they  feel  any  responsibility  for  the 
stewardship,  which  is  placed  in  their  hands; — if  they  wish 
to  sustain  any  reputation  for  integrity  and  consistency; — 
they  will  aim  to  secure  the  best  and  most  durable  interest  in 
the  affections  of  the  people  of  God,  by  doing  what  is  right, 
and  leaving  the  issue  to  His  disposal. 

4,  The  organization  of  the  Board  is  of  such  a nature,  as 
to  make  its  functionaries  feel  a double  responsibility.  All 
agents  for  religious  charities  must  feel  a responsibility  to  the 
public,  so  far  as  their  doings  attract  public  attention;  and,  in 
regard  to  missionary  societies,  the  public  ultimately  know 
all  that  is  material  in  their  operations.  But  in  large  popu- 
lar societies,  nothing  can  be  done  at  the  meetings  other  than 
to  make  public  statements,  which  must  be  received  without 
examination;  whereas,  at  the  annual  meetings  of  the  Board, 
all  the  doings  of  the  Committee  are  brought  under  review. 
And  this  review  is  taken  by  men,  who  do  not  act  in  their 
private  capacity,  or  as  friends  of  the  cause  merely,  but  who 
are  selected  for  this  special  service;  who  have  regularly 


16 


attended  to  tlie  same  duties  for  a series  of  years;  who  are 
familiar  with  the  details  of  the  business;  and  who  wish  for  in- 
formation, both  on  their  own  account,  and  that  they  may  com- 
municate it  to  others.  Perhaps  no  plan  has  yet  been  de- 
vised more  favorable  to  a due  feeling  of  responsibility,  than 
the  one  which  has  been  here  described,  and  which  received 
its  form  from  peculiar  circumstances,  under  the  control  of 
divine  providence,  without  a distmct  anticipation,  on  the 
part  of  its  promoters,  of  all  the  advantages,  which  have  since 
been  realized. 

But  should  the  wisdom  of  the  Christian  community  dis- 
cover practicable  improvements  of  the  plan,  there  is  no  rea- 
son why  they  should  not  be  adopted.  The  subject  may 
therefore  be  left  to  the  judgment  and  integrity  of  those,  who 
may  have  the  direction  of  these  concerns  in  future  years. 
It  need  not  be  doubted,  that,  if  the  Christian  church  is  faith- 
ful to  itself  and  its  Lord,  a succession  of  devoted  men  will 
be  provided  by  Him,  to  act  in  behalf  of  their  brethren  for 
the  benefit  of  the  perishing  nations. 

IV.  The  only  remaining  topic  of  the  present  discussion 
is  an  enumeration  of  Ihe  reasons  which  have  had  loeight 
in  promoling  the  contemplated  union. 

These  reasons  are  numerous,  and  might  be  urged  at  con- 
siderable length,  and  by  many  powerful  considerations. 
They  are  simple,  however,  and  easily  understood,  and  com- 
mend themselves  equally  to  the  mind  and  heart. 

1.  The  Board  is  unlimited  in  its  design. 

It  was  originally  intended  to  become  a channel,  in  which 
the  blessings  of  the  Gospel  might  be  conveyed  to  any  part  of 
the  unevangelized  world.  All  the  pagan  nations,  whether 
residing  upon  our  own  continent,  or  beyond  the  ocean,  were 
regarded  as  within  the  scope  of  American  beneficence.  So 
far  as  resources  should  be  afforded,  and  Providence  should 
open  ihe  way  to  fields  of  missionary  labor,  the  heralds  of 
mercy  were  to  proceed  in  every  direction.  And  they  have 
proceeded  to  the  aboriginal  tribes  of  our  country; — to  differ- 
ent places  in  Asia,  remote  from  each  other; — to  Polynesia: 
— to  South  America; — and  measures  are  taken  to  send  others 


n 


to  Africa.  This  being  the  case,  it  would  seem  desirable, 
that  those  Christians  who,  are  united  in  their  belief  of  essen- 
tial doctrines,  and  who  do  not  differ  greatly  in  their  views 
of  church  government,  or  in  regard  to  the  qualifications  for 
admission  to  the  holy  ordinances  of  religion,  should  have 
their  efforts  concentrated  in  a work,  which  is  large  enough 
to  employ  the  energies  of  all,  and  whose  importance  can 
never  be  adequately  estimated.  One  society,  with  a re- 
spectable income,  can  certainly  prosecute  a great  work 
more  vigorously,  than  two  societies,  with  the  same  income 
divided  between  them. 

2.  The  operations  of  the  Board  are  various. 

As  the  missionary  cause  is  obliged  to  contend  against  the 
apathy,  avarice,  and  prejudice  of  nominal  Christians;  the 
slander  and  intolerance  of  infidels  and  scoffers;  and  the  re- 
maining selfishness,  and  ignorance,  and  narrow  views  of 
many  true  disciples  of  our  Lord;  it  becomes  important  that 
a missionary  society  should  possess  every  advantage,  which 
fair  argument  and  unquestionable  facts  will  furnish,  for 
maintaining  so  arduous  a struggle.  In  order  to  this,  it  is 
necessary  that  the  same  society  should  have  the  charge  of 
different  missions,  in  remote  regions,  in  diverse  circum- 
stances, and  carrying  forward  numerous  and  diverse  opera- 
tions. All  missions  are  not  equally  prosperous;  all  are  not 
equally  interesting;  and  it  is  according  to  the  plan  of  God’s 
administration,  that  we  should  not  be  able  to  foresee  the 
immediate  result  of  our  labors.  Discouragements  are  some- 
times great  and  long  continued.  But  when  missionary  stations 
are  numerous,  a part  of  them  are  almost  always  experiencing, 
one  after  another,  peculiar  tokens  of  the  divine  favor.  The 
weak  faith  of  timid  Christians  is  thus  kept  from  sinking; 
and  the  arms  of  the  strongest  are  nerved  for  severer  labor. 
That  the  greatest  encouragement  may  be  derived  from  suc- 
cess, however,  it  is  necessary  that  each  contributor  should 
feel  that  his  own  contribution  has  aided  somewhat  in  pro- 
ducing it.  Who  that  patronized  the  mission  at  the  Sandwich 
Islands,  for  instance,  does  not  rejoice,  that,  in  the  merciful 

.S 


providence  of  his  Heavenly  Father,  he  was  favored  with 
such  an  opportunity. 

Among  the  infinitely  varying  predilections  of  men,  indi- 
viduals will  be  found,  who  wish  to  aid  some  missions  in 
preference  to  others.  This  propensity,  which  is  capable 
of  producing  valuable  results,  should  be  gratified,  so  far  as 
it  can  be  done  without  injury  to  the  general  cause.  The 
fact,  therefore,  that  a missionary  society  has  under  its  care 
a variety  of  evangelical  operations,  and  that  it  has  laborers 
actually  employed  among  heathens  in  different  continents 
and  islands,  and  among  Mohammedans  and  Jews,  will  tend 
powerfully  to  attract  notice,  and  to  draw  forth  patronage. 
Indeed,  the  accurate  observ'er  of  the  rise  and  progress  of 
religious  charities  in  our  country,  will  not  hesitate  to  say, 
that  the  sending  of  missionaries  from  among  ourselves  for 
the  conversion  of  idolaters,  in  distant  and  populous  regions 
of  the  earth,  gave  a greater  impulse  to  Christian  beneficence, 
than  has  been  given  in  any  other  manner,  and  by  all  other 
evangelical  exertions.  In  this  way  it  has  come  to  pass,  that 
so  much  greater  zeal-  has  been  felt,  than  ever  before  since 
the  days  of  Elliot,  for  the  salvation  of  the  American  abori- 
gines. This  was  what  led,  more  than  any  thing  else,  to 
the  formation  of  Education  Societies.  When  it  was  seen 
and  felt,  that  the  field  is  the  world,  and  that  laborers  were 
imperiously  demanded  for  every  part  of  this  immense  field, 
the  inquiry  naturally  arose.  How  is  our  own  country  to  he 
supplied  with  spiritual  laborers?  and  what  ought  to  he 
done  to  repair  the  moral  desolations  of  our  Zion? 
The  same  effect  has  been  produced  in  Great  Britain,  and  by 
the  same  cause. 

And,  since  it  is  perfectly  natural,  and  perfectly  justifiable, 
for  contributors  to  missionary  enterpi’ises,  especially  for  the 
most  liberal  and  self-denying  of  these  benefactors  of  man- 
kind, to  wish  to  have  some  agency  in  all  the  good  that 
is  done,  how  gratifying  to  one  of  these  persons  it  must  be, 
as  he  reads  of  the  conversion  of  American  Indians,  and 
Sandwich  Islanders,  and  Hindoos,  or  traces  a missionary 
tract  as  it  winds  its. way  to  the  shores  of  the  Caspian,  or 


19 


passes  over  the  Gauts  from  the  Coromandel  coast,  or  casts  a 
gleam  of  light  upon  the  dark  mind  of  the  Polynesian  savage, 
to  reflect,  that  in  all  these  works  of  mercy  his  humble 
offering  had  some  share. 

3.  Tht  proposed  union  will  save  time  and  labor. 

This  assertion  is  so  obvious  as  to  require  little  illustration. 
Two  societies  must  have  two  executive  committees,  two 
secretaries,  at  least  as  many  assistant  secretaries,  two  treas- 
urers, and  two  sets  of  agents.  Much  of  this  labor  may 
be  saved  by  merging  two  institutions  into  one.  To  every 
person  acquainted  with  the  real  state  of  things,  this  is  a very 
weighty  consideration.  The  man,  who  attends  an  auxil- 
iary missionary  meeting  once  a year,  at  the  expense  of  half 
a day’s  time,  may  regard  it  as  a small  matter  to  conduct 
missionary  operations.  But  in  point  of  fact,  it  is  a very 
arduous  and  difficult  matter:  and  this  should  be  well  known 
and  understood  by  the  Christian  public.  It  is  not  easy  to 
find,  in  any  city  of  the  American  union,  a sufficient  number 
of  suitable  men  to  form  active  and  laborious  committees  for 
existing  societies; — men,  who  shall,  amidst  all  their  private 
and  professional  engagements,  hold  themselves  ready  to  attend 
weekly  meetings,  or  to  be  called  together  on  any  emergency. 
What  then  shall  be  said  respecting  those  functionaries,  whose 
whole  time  is  demanded  for  their  respective  offices?  How 
are  men  to  be  obtained,  as  a permanent  thing,  for  these 
agencies  in  two  institutions?  Without  saying  any  thing 
respecting  the  competency,  or  incompetency,  of  the  present 
incumbents,  it  may  be  said  boldly,  that  the  American 
churches  should  see  to  it,  that  the  best  talents  and  attain- 
ments, which  the  country  can  furnish,  during  all  future 
years,  have  the  charge  of  this  momentous  business.  Let  it 
be  remembered  that,  as  a people,  vve  are  in  great  want  of 
able  men  for  the  management  of  public-spirited  measures; 
not  because  our  country  is  destitute  of  such  men,  but  because 
the  stations  which  require  them  are  very  numerous,  and  are 
multiplying  every  day.  Is  one  of  our  colleges  in  want  of  a 
President?  or  one  of  our  theological  seminaries  in  want  of  a 
Professor?  A suitable  man  may  perhaps  be  found,  by 


20 


searching  the  land  from  one  end  to  the  other;  but  the 
difficulty  lies  in  the  fact,  that,  in  all  probability,  he  cannot 
be  spared  from  the  station  which  he  now  occupies;  and,  if 
he  could,  he  would  be  called  to  half  a dozen  other  important 
stations,  if  there  were  any  hope  of  obtaining  him.  This 
state  of  things  renders  economy  in  the  employment  of 
competent  men,  a public  and  imperious  duty. 

There  are  those  who,  for  want  of  knowledge  on  the 
subject,  think  that  any  man  of  good  character  for  integrity 
may  be  taken  and  coerced  into  these  services.  If  such  a 
course  of  proceeding  were  proper  and  just,  who  has  this 
pow’er  of  coercion?  We  may  indeed  find  men  in  most  of 
our  cities,  each  of  whom  will  say,  “I  am  willing  to  give 
my  five  hundred  dollars  a year,  or  my  thousand  dollars  a 
year,  for  religious  charities;”  and  there  are  those,  each  of 
whom  might  add,  “I  am  willing  to  rise  early,  and  sit  up 
late,  and  eat  the  bread  of  carefulness,  that  I may  have 
the  ability  of  doing  this;”  and  yet  each  of  these  liberal  men 
would  feel  compelled  to  add,  ‘‘I  cannot  give  my  whole 
time,  nor  half  my  time,  to  any  of  these  charitable  objects, 
nor  to  all  of  them  conjoined.” 

4.  The  proposed  unio>n  will  also  save  expense. 

This  is  apparent  from  what  has  been  already  said.  But 
when  it  is  considered,  that  if  two  institutions,  having  the 
same  object  in  view,  continue  their  separate  operations, 
there  will  be  a necessity  of  sending  agents  from  both 
to  the  same  parts  of  the  county;  that,  in  many  instances, 
two  journies  to  the  western  wilderness  w'ill  be  required, 
where  one  would  otherwise  answer  every  purpose:  and  that 
the  contingent  expenses  of  two  separate  establishments  must 
be  defrayed; — it  will  appear,  that  this  is  a subject  of  no 
trifling  consequence. 

5.  There  is  no  necessity  that  the  two  institutions  should 
remain  distinct. 

The  members  of  both  agree  essentially  in  their  views  of 
Christian  doctrine.  They  employ  the  same  sort  of  men  for 
missionaries; — men  who  were  educated  in  the  same  schools, 
preach  the  same  great  truths  in  the  same  manner,  are  per- 


21 


soually  acquainted  with  each  other,  and  are  closely  bound 
together  by  ties  of  friendship  and  of  Christian  affection. 
They  rely  upon  the  efficacy  of  a Saviour’s  blood  for  the 
pardon  of  their  own  sins;  and  they  present  to  perishing 
men  of  all  classes  the  atonement  of  an  almighty  Redeemer, 
applied  by  the  new-creating  Spirit,  as  the  only  ground  of 
hope,  the  only  way  to  holiness  and  to  God. 

It  is  to  be  remembered  also,  that  the  patrons  and  sup- 
porters of  both  institutions  harmonize,  almost  without  an 
exception,  in  their  religious  belief.  Many  individuals  send 
their  contributions  to  both;  and  many  others  feel  a deep 
interest  in  the  success  of  both.  In  short,  there  is  as  perfect 
a union  on  this  subject,  among  those  who  believe  in  experi- 
mental religion,  as  perhaps  ever  existed  among  so  many 
individuals  on  any  subject  of  common  interest; — a union,, 
which  will  enable  them  to  act  together  with  the  greatest 
cheerfulness  and  energy.  If  w’e  can  suppose,  that  the  mis- 
sionaries should  hereafter  cease  to  preach  Jesus  Christ  and 
him  crucified;  and  if  they  should  preach  any  other  Gospel 
than  that  which  Paul  preached; — the  support  now  derived 
from  the  Christian  community  would  immediately  fail. 

6.  S^ich  a union  loill  remove  the  danger  of  collision. 

If  these  institutions  should  continue  their  separate  exis- 
tence and  operations,  there  wilt  be  constant  danger  of 
interference; — a danger,  which  no  human  wisdom,  prudence, 
or  piety  can  entirely  obviate.  Agents  will  proceed  from 
each  society  to  the  same  places,  they  will  often  arrive  at 
the  same  time,  or  one  immediately  after  another,  the  plans 
and  measures  of  one  will  seem  to  thwart  the  designs  and 
calculations  of  the  other;  and  each  will  meet  with  many  a 
severe  repulse,  both  from  ministers  and  people,  as  a conse- 
quence of  the  dread  of  this  apprehended  collision,  or  the 
dislike  of  repeated  applications  for  the  same  object.  It  is 
to  be  presumed,  that  the  conductors  of  both  Societies  will 
always  be  on  harmonious  terms;  but  can  it  be  supposed,  that 
all  the  agents  to  be  hereafter  employed  will  have  such  a 
share  of  the  meekness  of  wisdom,  as  to  give  no  offence,  in 
these  difficult  and  constantly  varying  circumstances?  And 


22 


if  the  agents  should  be  perfect,  will  not  partizans  arise  for 
one  society,  who  will  plead  with  zeal  fora  particular  mission, 
or  a particular  class  of  operations,  to  the  disparagement  of 
missions  under  the  care  of  the  other  society?  Will  not 
extravagant  encomiums  of  one  provoke  disadvantageous  com- 
parisons? And  will  not  the  efforts  of  both  be  thus  weakened, 
and  many  individuals  prevented  from  giving  an  efficient 
and  systematic  patronage  to  either?  If  the  missionary 
exertions  of  the  country  should  be  increased,  and  the  need 
of  greater  and  still  greater  resources  be  felt,  the  evils  here 
adverted  to  will  be  greatly  augmented;  and  agents,  instead 
of  pleading  the  cause  of  a suffering  world  with  boldness, 
will  be  timid  and  hesitating,  lest  they  should  seem  to 
encroach  upon  the  claims  of  a sister  institution. 

7.  This  measure  loould  greatly  promote  Christian  af- 
fection. 

Union  of  effort  in  behalf  of  the  heathen  world,  tends 
powerfully  to  increase  brotherly  love  among  those,  who 
are  thus  united.  It  brings  them  to  be  acquainted  with 
the  same  individuals,  acting  as  their  agents  and  almoners. 
It  fixes  their  minds  on  the  same  objects,  and  those  of  the 
highest  interest.  It  multiplies  the  subjects  of  common  con- 
cern. So  far  as  benevolent  feelings  are  called  into  action, 
the  amiableness  of  the  Christian  character’ is  apparent;  and 
those  who  behold  in  each  other  the  lineaments  of  their 
heavenly  origin,  will  be  the  more  closely  drawn  together, 
the  more  they  are  called  to  act  in  the  same  connexion,  and 
for  the  accomplishment  of  the  same  purposes.  This  tendency 
of  united  counsels  and  efforts  assumes  a vast  importance, 
when  the  rapidly  increasing  population  of  our  country,  and 
our  extensive  territory,  and  our  capability  of  exerting  a 
moral  influence,  are  considered. 

8.  Such  a union  is  expected. 

There  has  been,  for  two  years  or  more,  an  extensive  and 
prevailing  expectation  of  a union  of  the  two  Societies;  and 
this  expectation  has  been  grounded  on  the  propriety  of  such 
a measure.  When  the  proposal  was  first  intimated  in  print, 
it  was  done  anonymously,  by  an  editor  not  connected  with 


either  institution;  and  it  was  given  forth  as  a rumor  or  sug- 
gestion. Yet  this  unofficial  proposal  was  received  with  the 
utmost  greediness;  and  much  disappointment  was  expressed, 
that  the  union  should  be  delayed  for  a single  year.  How 
much  greater  will  be  the  disappointment,  if  such  a union 
should  now  be  prevented,  after  the  proceedings  which  have 
been  inserted  at  the  commencement  of  these  pages,  and 
after  the  cordial  approbation  with  which  they  have  been 
greeted.  Nor  is  this  approbation  confined  to  words.  Com- 
munications have  been  received  from  a distance,  stating  that 
greater  exertions  would  now  be  made,  as  the  paralyzing 
effect  of  applications  from  two  societies  for  the  same  object, 
would  no  longer  exist. 

After  these  statements  and  remarks,  the  decision  may 
cheerfully  be  left  to  the  enlightened  judgment  and  conscien- 
tious integrity  of  those,  to  whom  God  has  given  a standing 
and  influence  in  the  American  churches.  It  may  not  be 
amiss,  however,  to  add,  that  if  the  proposed  union  should  not 
be  sanctioned,  very  good  and  satisfactory  reasons  will  be  ex- 
pected for  declining  it.  The  proposal  was  made  with  entire 
unanimity,  after  long  consideration,  and  prayerful  attention, 
and  with  the  approbation  of  many  of  the  most  liberal  patrons 
of  the  United  Foreign  Missionary  Society.  It  was  received 
with  great  cordiality,  and  the  same  unanimity,  with  which  it 
was  made.  The  Christian  public  have  regarded  it  with 
great  favor,  and  it  is  generally  hailed  as  the  prelude  to  more 
efficient  labors,  and  more  extensive  and  liberal  sacrifices, 
than  our  country  has  yet  witnessed. 

An  explanation  with  reference  to  one  or  two  subjects, 
which  may  seem  to  require  it,  will  now  be  subjoined. 

Some  persons  have  supposed,  that,  in  case  a union  was 
formed,  a stipulation  would  be  made,  in  regard  to  the  place 
where  the  executive  business  of  the  Board  should  be  trans- 
acted. But  this  does  not  seem  at  all  necessary.  It  is  a sub- 
ject, which  may  safely  be  left  to  tbe  wisdom  of  the  Board  in 
all  succeeding  times.  Nothing  is  therefore  said  respecting 
it,  In  the  above-recited  terms  of  union;  and  it  is  a somewhat 


curious  fact,  that  there  is  not  a single  record,  either  in  the 
doings  of  the  Board,  or  of  the  Prudential  Committee,  which 
prescribes,  or  even  mentions,  the  city,  town,  or  state,  in 
which  the  functionaries  of  the  Board  shall  reside,  or  in 
which  they  shall  transact  their  official  business.  So  long, 
indeed,  as  advantages  are  derived  from  the  Act  of  Incorpora- 
tion, it  will  be  necessary  that  the  Board  should  have  its 
treasury,  and  the  principal  seat  of  its  business,  in  Massachu- 
setts. Though  these  advantages  are  not  small,  and  should 
not  be  rashly  abandoned;  }^et,  if  greater  advantages  can  be 
gained  by  a removal  of  the  seat  of  business  to  any  place 
without  the  limits  of  that  State,  than  can  be  retained  by  its 
continuance  there,  the  Board  will  doubtless  be  able  to  dis- 
cern the  fact,  and  w'ill  decide  this  question,  like  every  other, 
with  a solemn  reference  to  what  shall  appear  to  be  duty  at 
the  time. 

It  may  be, well  to  say,  for  the  information  of  many,  into 
whose  hands  these  pages  may  fall,  that  it  happened  providen- 
tially, and  without  any  peculiar  attachment  to  place,  or  re- 
gard to  personal  considerations,  that  the  business  of  the 
Board  has  been  done  in  Boston.  It  should  be  added,  how- 
ever, that  this  providential  disposition  of  the  matter  ought 
not  to  be  disregarded,  for  the  following  reasons. 

Though  New-York  is  the  great  emporium  of  our  country, 
yet,  as  every  merchant  knows,  there  is  six  times,  if  not  ten 
times  as  much  direct  intercourse  between  Boston  and  India, 
or  the  Sandwich  Islands,  as  between  New-York  and  the 
same  places.  There  is  also  a regular  commerce  betw'een 
Boston  and  the  Levant;  so  that  the  missionary  stations 
beyond  sea  are  much  more  easily  accessible  from  Boston, 
than  from  any  other  place  in  the  United  States.  The  same 
would  be  true  w'itb  respect  to  any  missions,  on  the  west  and 
northwest  coast  of  America,  the  western  coast  of  Africa,  the 
shores  of  the  Persian  gulf,  the  Malayan  Archipelago,  or  any 
part  of  Polynesia.  The  foreign  trade  of  New'-York  is  prin- 
cipally with  Europe,  the  West  Indies,  South  America,  and 
Mexico;  whereas  the  foreign  trade  of  Boston,  though  less  in 
amount,  is  carried  on  with  every  part  of  the  world;  and  of 


26 


course  furnishes  the  means  of  conveying  missionaries  to 
almost  every  heathen  country,  and  corresponding  with  them 
and  supplying  their  necessities,  after  their  respective  stations 
are  formed. 

In  this  connexion  it  is  proper  to  add,  that  the  friends  of 
missions  in  Massachusetts  have  made  larger  contributions  of 
time  and  money  for  sending  the  Gospel  to  the  heathen  na- 
tions, and  to  the  destitute  of  our  own  country,  than  the  in- 
habitants of  any  other  State  in  the  Union;  and  that  there  are 
in  Boston  contributors  to  these  objects,  whose  unceasing 
liberality  is  thought  to  be  not  inferior  to  that  of  any  equal 
number  of  men,  in  similar  circumstances,  even  in  Great  Brit- 
ain, or  any  other  part  of  Christendom.  These  facts  are 
mentioned  merely  for  the  sake  of  communicating  informa- 
tion, and  not  at  all  for  the  sake  of  blazoning  the  charitable 
deeds  of  men,  who  had  much  rather  humble  themselves 
that  they  have  done  so  little,  than  look  with  exultation  upon 
what  divine  grace  has  enabled  them  to  do.  It  may  be  hoped 
that  the  time  is  not  distant,  when  the  whole  American  com- 
munity will  engage,  with  a zeal  equally  diffused  and  per- 
vading every  part,  in  these  works  of  heavenly  beneficence. 
Even  then,  Massachusetts,  considering  her  dense  population 
and  her  wealth,  will  be  able  to  hold  a respectable  standing, 
though  she  should  be  surpassed  by  some  of  the  more  highly 
favored  States  of  the  Republic. 

No  anxiety  need  be  felt  on  this  subject.  The  Committee 
of  the  United  Foreign  Missionary  Society  frankly  declared 
in  the  deliberations  at  Northampton,  that  they  had  no  other 
wish  respecting  it,  than  that  it  should  always  be  left  to  the 
wisdom  of  the  Board.  They  added,  that  the  other  great  relig- 
ious charities,  W’hich  have  the  seat  of  their  operations  in  the 
city  of  Nevv-\ork,  require  as  much  labor  and  care,  as  can  be 
commanded,  at  present,  for  these  services. 

It  may  seem  that  a brief  history  of  the  operations  of  the 
Board  to  the  present  time,  and  of  the  origin  and  progress  of 
the  United  Foreign  Missionary  Society,  with  an  account  of 
the  engagements  of  both  institutions,  and  of  the  present 
state  of  the  missions  under  their  care,  should  form  a part  of 


26 


this  document.  But  it  will  appear,  on  reflection,  that  such 
an  addition  would  have  swelled  these  pages  too  much-  As 
the  periodf'cal  publications  of  both  Societies  have  presented 
these  topics  much  in  detail,  and  as  these  details  are  copied 
into  many  other  papers,  the  necessity  of  inserting  them  here 
is  removed. 

The  preceding  statements,  explanations,  and  arguments, 
are  respectfully  laid  before  the  Christian  public,  with  earn* 
est  prayers  that  all,  who  shall  be  called  to  act  with  refer- 
ence to  this  subject,  may  be  guided  by  wisdom  from  above, 
and  that  the  glory  of  God,  and  the  salvation  of  souls  may 
be  promoted  by  the  result  of  their  deliberations. 


LEONARD  WOODS, 
JEREMIAH  EVARTS, 
SAMUEL  HUBBARD, 
WARREN  FAY. 


WILLIAM  REED, 


WILLIAM  McMURRAY, 


JOSEPH  McELROY, 
WILLIAM  W.  PHILLIPS, 


Exemtive  Commit- 


EBENEZER  MASON, 
ZECHARIAH  LEWIS, 
MOSES  ALLEN 


tee  of  the 
U.  F.  SI.  S. 


SYDNEY  E.  MORSE. 


J 


February,  18^J6 


